I sent out some books for the first time and I'm worried they might get damaged in the mail. The only envelopes we had were big manila ones, which gave the books plenty of room. I wrapped each book in a plastic bag, and for some the extra plastic created a sort of cushioning at the back. But after reading some posts on this forum about books in big envelopes I'm worried they will get damaged! What do you think?

If you used plastic and taped it up so that the books aren't sliding around then they should be fine. The problems tend to happen if you put the books in so that they can slide around. I use manilla envelopes all the time. But I use one big enough to put the book in sideways and then fold the envelope in half and then tape it up. So sliding book that way. Or I use one that fits the book tight enough that it doesn't slide and then put tape around the sides and edges.

I've received quite a few books in manilla envelopes. They are easily damaged if the book is loose inside, not always tho. But manilla is a very good wrapper if folded down snug to the book and securred with packing tape, they actually travel very well in this manner.

One book has arrived at its destination and it seems to have turned out okay, as the swappee marked it received and thanked me. Admittedly, it was the book mailed the shortest distance. Fingers crossed for the rest! Thanks everyone for your input and encouragement :)

I use bubble envelopes for mailing hardback books most of the time. I've been bookswapping for a while now so I've got a whole stack of them ready to be reused. Once you send and receive a few books you'll get an idea of what packaging works best and is most economical for you.

There have been a variety of threads on packaging and advice on this board - worth finding if you are looking for more hints and approaches.